Jumpstart by VCE is immersive career exploration conference, designed for students in grades 7 – 9.
Jumpstart will take place February 6 – 8, 2026 at the W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center at Smith Mountain Lake.
Registration closes January 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST, and spaces for each career track are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Jumpstart by VCE is designed to help young people explore their interests, connect with peers, and gain hands-on exposure to future career pathways.
Students will choose from four career tracks — Agriculture, Civic Engagement, Healthy Living, and STEM — and will participate in two in-depth workshops within their selected track. They’ll also learn from professionals during panel discussions, engage in reflection activities, and enjoy interactive components like the etiquette dinner, healthy living sessions, mini-workshops, and evening recreation options.
Cost is $110/attendee and includes:
• Lodging, 2 nights
• 2 Dinners
• 2 Breakfasts
• 1 Lunch
• Workshop Materials
• Conference Workbook
• Conference T-shirt
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Alison Jones, CTSO Coordinator at 540-231-8818/TDD* during business hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to discuss accommodations at least 5 days prior to the event. *TDD number is (800) 828-1120.
Also check out other Business events in Wirtz, Workshops in Wirtz, Conferences in Wirtz.
